Dick Salmon joined the BRM team in December 1951 and stayed with it until he was made redundant in late 1967.

It was an incredible period — from the frustrations of the V16, via inklings of success in the 2.5-litre formula in 1958/’59, and the glory days of the 1.5-litre V8s. Salmon worked closely with drivers from Fangio and Gonzales, to Hill and Stewart. The great thing about this book is that it shows those seasons from a different perspective — from that of one of the guys who drove the team trucks across Europe, who endured primitive conditions when building the cars, the hard slog of testing and the ups and downs of the races themselves.

It’s obvious that Salmon loved his work, and some of his tales of the high jinks the mechanics got up to — with each other, the drivers, and other teams — are fun. He obviously kept very thorough records, and has included a selection of programmes, passes, pay slips and period ads to liven up the pages. There’s also a really first class selection of photos, many of which are all the better for being candid, behind-the-scenes pics, often taken on the road and in the workshop or the pits.

The story of BRM is pretty well known, but this book gives so many new angles on it. No matter how much you think you know about this period of racing, you’ll find out new stuff, and have a smile on your face much of the time. Salmon is pretty honest with his views on those who worked for, or BRM: Louis T Stanley doesn’t come out too well. Salmon clearly enjoyed the company of his fellow mechanics, though, and regretted moving from the race team. He later worked for Lotus and Perkins Engines for short spells, but you can tell his heart was with British Racing Motors.

One of the best motor sport books I’ve read for ages: very highly recommended.

Review by Mark Holman